Follow the author of this article

Follow the topics within this article

Russia’s Gazprom has made a series of cuts to its energy trading operations in London, fuelling speculation that the gas giant is planning to retreat from the West.

The state-backed energy behemoth has merged its oil and liquefied natural gas (LNG) trading desks, making a handful of LNG traders redundant in the process.

The job cuts have emerged amid reports that Gazprom plans to shut its 1,000-strong London headquarters, near Regent’s Park, amid souring relations between Moscow and Europe over the alleged poisoning of Sergei Skripal, a former Russian army officer.

A trader within the London office confirmed the cuts but said it remains to be seen whether Gazprom will consolidate its activities...